Sunday, September 27, 2009

Thanksgiving at the Inn-Tim Whitney

Thanksgiving at the Inn
Tim Whitney
Bancroft, Oct 1 2009, $14.99
ISBN: 9781890862640

Two years ago the mother of teenager Heath Wellington III walked out on him and his dad Junior. Since she left, Junior treats his son as a slave with chores all the time when the kid is not in school, which he is not having been suspended for cheating. When Junior’s dad dies, Heath realizes he cannot remember what his grandfather Senior looked like as they drive to Massachusetts for the funeral. Senior’s lawyer Lloyd explains that Junior and Heath will inherit the Sleeping Inn if they run the place for three months and take care of the residents.

Heath feels at home at the B&B with the Jamaican sage Winsted, elderly Mrs. Farrel who is giving away her late husband's fortune one letter at a time, muscular children’s author Mustang Sally, and TV news couch potato Carter. He also likes neighbor Savannah who apparently is his dad’s first love, and her autistic daughter Tori. On the other hand he loathes his father who sees the world as one endless loveless chore.

This is an engaging inspiring family drama as the son becomes the father (think of Chapin’s song Cat in the Cradle) although Senior learned too late what he did to his offspring. Senior’s legacy is letters trying to reach Junior before he repeats the mistake with the III. In light of a photo showing three generations of smiling male Wellingtons, the lack of the back story between Senior and Junior hurts any transformation that may occur. Still fans will enjoy this fine holiday tale as everyone learns to be thankful for all the good in their lives by celebrating together THANKSGIVING AT THE INN.

Harriet Klausner

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